St. John's forward Donnie Freeman will miss the remainder of the season after doctors confirmed a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery, effectively ending his freshman campaign with the Red Storm.
Freeman arrived in Queens as one of the most anticipated portal acquisitions, having starred for Syracuse in the previous year and earning a reputation as a versatile wing capable of stretching defenses and attacking the rim.
The injury coincides with the release of CBS Sports' early Top 25 preview for the 2026‑27 college basketball season, a poll that still reflects the preseason optimism surrounding several traditional powerhouses.
Early Top 25 snapshot
Florida holds the No. 1 spot, buoyed by a returning core that includes All‑American guard Alex Fudge and a recruiting class that adds five‑star forward Jalen Bridges. Duke follows closely, retaining star forward Kyle Filipowski while integrating Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, a move that has analysts penciling the Blue Devils into the top three.
Illinois climbs to No. 3 after securing the commitment of Providence big man Stefan Vaaks, while UConn, fresh off a national championship appearance, slides to No. 4 with a roster bolstered by guard R.J. Cole and forward Jordan Hawkins returning from injury.
Michigan State, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Gonzaga and Virginia round out the top ten, each showcasing a blend of returning talent and high‑profile transfers that have reshaped their lineups.
St. John's, however, drops to No. 17 after Freeman's loss, a slide that reflects both the competitive depth of the poll and the difficulty of replacing a player who averaged 14.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Interim head coach Mike Boynton has said the Red Storm will lean on sophomore guard Cameron Boozer and freshman forward Isaiah Evans to fill the void left by Freeman.
Looking ahead
The early rankings underscore how player movement in the transfer portal continues to reshape the landscape, with programs that successfully integrate new pieces often seeing immediate jumps in the poll.
As the season progresses, the impact of Freeman's injury will be measured not only by St. John's win‑loss record but also by how quickly the team can adapt to a new offensive identity.